The digital revolution is increasing the power, scope and importance of computer systems at a rapid pace. Software-enabled systems are everywhere, with Distributed and Networked Systems underpinning the economy, society and infrastructure. Study Distributed and Networked Systems with a Year in Industry at Royal Holloway, University of London and you’ll gain detailed knowledge of the principles, methods and techniques required for developing systems including sensor and actuator networks, cyberphysical systems, patient-centred healthcare and disaster recovery systems.

This flexible programme has been developed for graduates with a background in Computer Science or Engineering, giving you the chance to further hone your knowledge and skills. A wide range of optional modules lets you tailor your learning to your own strengths and interests, including Information Security, Data Analysis and Online Machine Learning to choose from.

You’ll study in a department renowned for the quality of its research and you’ll have the chance to contribute to this leading research culture through your Individual Project. Your studies will help to develop transferable skills and knowledge including open source and cloud tools for scalable data storage, contemporary network management technologies, relational databases and microcontroller devices.

The skills you’ll develop as a student of Distributed and Networked Systems will make you a highly employable candidate in a number of different fields. You’ll graduate in a strong position to progress to PhD study, while Royal Holloway’s proximity to the M4 corridor – also known as ‘England’s Silicon Valley’ – offers excellent opportunities to enjoy a rewarding year in industry with one of the country's top tech organisations.

Study in a highly-regarded departments, ranked 11th in the UK for the quality of research publications (Research Excellence Framework 2014).

Develop your skills and gain invaluable connections and experience during your year in industry.

Benefit from strong industry ties, with close proximity to ‘England’s Silicon Valley’.

Graduate with a Masters degree with excellent graduate employability prospects.

Tailor your learning with a wide range of engaging optional modules.

Core modules

Individual Project

Interconnected Devices

Advanced Distributed Systems

Wireless, Sensor and Actuator Networks

Optional modules

In addition to these mandatory course units there are a number of optional course units available during your degree studies. The following is a selection of optional course units that are likely to be available. Please note that although the College will keep changes to a minimum, new units may be offered or existing units may be withdrawn, for example, in response to a change in staff. Applicants will be informed if any significant changes need to be made.

Information Security

Data Analysis

Data Visualisation and Exploratory Analysis

Programming for Data Analysis

Semantic Web

Intelligent Agents and Multi-Agent Systems

Advanced Data Communications

Machine Learning

Large-scale Data Storage and Processing

On-line Machine Learning

Network Security

Computer Security

Security Technologies

Security Testing

Smart Cards, RFIDs and Embedded Systems Security

Software Security

Introduction to Cryptography

Assessment is carried out by a variety of methods including coursework, examinations and a dissertation. The placement is assessed as part of your degree.

Entry criteria:

Broad criteria

Specific criteria

English language requirements:

English language requirements

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International and EU entry requirements

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Students from overseas should visit the International pages for information on the entry requirements from their country and further information on English language requirements. Royal Holloway offers a Pre-Master’s Diploma for International Students and English language pre-sessional courses, allowing students the opportunity to develop their study skills and English language before starting their postgraduate degree.

Graduates in Distributed and Networked Systems with a Year in Industry at Royal Holloway, University of London can expect excellent employability prospects in a variety of expanding fields. You’ll gain a desirable Masters qualification from a highly-regarded department, and develop a range of transferable skills to take into the workplace. A year in industry also provides the opportunity to gain valuable experience and to develop industry connections to take into your future career.

Our proximity to the M4 corridor – also known as ‘England’s Silicon Valley’ – provides excellent networking opportunities with some of the country’s top technology institutions. The Department of Computer Science is also located close to Royal Holloway’s on-site College Careers Service, providing you with help, support and advice on your future career and further postgraduate study.

90% of Royal Holloway graduates in work or further education within six months of graduating.

Strong industry ties help to provide placement and networking opportunities with some of the country’s leading institutions.

On-site College Careers Service provides help and support for students.

Home and EU students tuition fee per year 2017/18*: £8,300

Overseas students tuition fee per year 2017/18*: £18,500

The fee for the Year in Industry will be 20% of the first year fee for that academic year.

Other essential costs**: There are no single associated costs greater than £50 per item on this course

How do I pay for it? Find out more about funding options, including loans, grants, scholarships and bursaries.

* These tuition fees apply to students enrolled on a full-time basis. Students studying part-time are charged a pro-rata tuition fee, usually equivalent to approximately half the full-time fee. Please email student-fees@royalholloway.ac.uk for further information on part-time fees. All postgraduate fees are subject to inflationary increases. Royal Holloway's policy is that any increases in fees will not exceed 5% for continuing students. For further information see tuition fees and our terms and conditions.

** These estimated costs relate to studying this particular degree programme at Royal Holloway. Costs, such as accommodation, food, books and other learning materials and printing, have not been included.